Half-lives II

Monday morning larceny,
I steal your time and drink your tea.
One child to school, one still in bed,
homework checked and pets are fed.

You’ve taught me some amazing facts.
That porridge is the food of rats
and salad-eating guinea pigs
can co-exist with cats.

But clocks still stubbornly refuse to stop.
So hairspray, lipstick, coat done up
and bike impatient by the kerb.
A moment snatched, a final word.

We say goodbye, exchange a smile,
and know that it may be a while
till I can learn, when time permits,
the culinary habits of rabbits.